Knox writes to King regarding the Constitutional Convention and other political matters. The conduct of France in establishing provincial assemblies is seized with great eagerness by advocates of State systems, but they do not bring into view the strong cement of royal authority supported by 200,000 soldiers. State systems are an accursed thing which will prevent the creation of a nation.

Martin describes efforts by a convention of people to enter into resolves to raise men to defend themselves outside of the authority of the North Carolina legislature. Mentions a certain Alexander Outlaw as the leader. Corntassel has thought it best to burn the towns of the culprits, by which means they would return to their allegiance. So great a thirst for Indian lands prevails that every...

Secretary of State Randolph discusses with the rest of Washington's Cabinet a convention between Denmark and Sweden for the maintenance of the rights of neutral navigation. Mentions John Jay's mission to London, preceding the notorious Jay Treaty, which will be signed in November that year.

Lincoln reports on the proceedings of the Massachusetts convention that is charged with adopting or rejecting the new Constitution. Though several of the Shays insurgents are delegates, Lincoln is optimistic that the Constitution will be approved by the convention.

(Partly illegible) General Lincoln provides Knox his thoughts on the convention to remedy the defects in the government and includes an update on the successful campaign against the rebels in New England. (Shays Rebellion)

Livingston lays before the (New Jersey) House congressional papers dealing with Indian treaties and accounts between the states, as well as resolutions from Massachusetts and Pennsylvania appointing delegates to the Annapolis Convention.

Related sentiments of councils held at both Chickasaw and Chocktaw villages in relation to politics, peace, and war between the whites people (U.S) and the Indians. Discussed names, points of view, and events in detail.

Knox congratulates Gen. Lincoln on his success defeating the insurgents during Shays' Rebellion and speculates about the upcoming Philadelphia convention intended to correct the defects in the current government.

Knox discusses British intentions regarding the evacuation of the Western Forts which they still occupy. He mentions the "federal convention" proposed by Virginia for strengthening the power of Congress to regulate trade.

Coxe, a Commissioner for Pennsylvania, asks the Maryland Commissioners to pass on a message to their state Legislature. Coxe states that though difference of circumstances has led to dissimilar trade regulations, none should be adopted which militate against the fundamental and essential principles of the Union. Some states charge duties on out-of-state vessels and goods equal to the duties...

Alludes to Constitutional Convention; worries that matters will leak out. Believes state governments to be an unnecessary evil; discusses qualities of Federal Government; alludes to Philadelphia Convention. Refers to the death of their young child.

Washington thanks McHenry for forwarding a copy of J.B. Bordley's Essays and Notes on Husbandry (1799). Discusses the complications of international politics, the Convention of 1800, and allegations of bribery by the editor of the Aurora (newspaper).

Knox discusses the uncertainty of the vote in the Virginia Convention for the new Constitution but hopes that New Hampshire's adoption of the Constitution will influence Virginia to follow the same course.

Olney plans to make the public powder more secure. He has not yet been able to bring to justice the people who burgled the magazine. News has reached them that North Carolina ratified the Constitution; Olney is optimistic about the future of government. Olney draws on Knox to discharge a debt in New York.

This is an extract of an Act of Congress that declares that no purchase of Indian lands shall be valid unless pursuant to the Constitution. Therefore, it is illegal for anyone but lawful agents to negotiate treaties for land.